The CRS-1 cargo resupply mission is the first of 12 such missions NASA has agreed to carry out as part of a Commercial Resupply Services contract. Dragon is expected to be connected to the ISS for 18 days, but it is already way ahead of schedule. Yesterday a tweet and image appeared on SpaceX’s official Twitter account stating that Dragon’s hatch had been opened a day early.

The image shows two astronauts taking a look at the cargo on board Dragon for the first time. The masks are required for the initial checks in case there are any contaminants or materials floating around in the capsule that would have become dislodged during the launch and trip to the ISS. Once that’s done they will start unloading.

The contents of Dragon includes an “ultra-cold freezer” for science projects, new supplies for crew members, vehicle hardware, and a range of experiments. The crew will be especially happy as they get 29 bonus food rations, new clothing, and a range of pantry items such as batteries to power devices. In total, Dragon is carrying 1,995 pounds of cargo.

Just as importantly, once empty the ISS crew will fill Dragon with hardware they no longer need and lots of samples from completed scientific experiments.

Dragon is expected to return to Earth on October 28 where it will touch down near southern California in the Pacific Ocean. With all those samples on board, NASA’s scientists will be hoping for a problem-free return journey.